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Worrying exposure to trace elements in the population of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

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Abstract

Background and objectives

The particularly high rate of urbanization in Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo) is associated with environmental degradation. Outdoor and indoor air pollution, as well as water pollution and waste accumulation, are issues of major concern. However, little documented information exists on the nature and extent of this pollution. A biomonitoring study was conducted to document exposure to trace elements in a representative sample of the population in Kinshasa.

Methods

Fifteen trace elements were measured by ICP-MS, CV-AAS, or HG-AFS in spot urine samples from 220 individuals (50.5% women) aged 6–70 years living in the urban area and from 50 additional subjects from the rural area of Kinshasa. Data were compiled as geometric means and selected percentiles, expressed without (μg/L) or with creatinine adjustment (μg/g cr).

Results

Overall, living in urban Kinshasa was associated with elevated levels of several parameters in urine as compared to the population living in the rural area (Asi, Ba, Cd, Cr, and V) as well as compared to an urban population of the southeast of Congo (Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Mn, Ni, Se, V, and Zn). Elevated levels were also found by comparison with the reference values in databases involving American, Canadian, French, or German populations.

Conclusions

This study provides the first biomonitoring database in the population of Kinshasa, revealing elevated levels for most urinary TE as compared to other databases. Toxicologically relevant elements such as Al, As, Cd, Pb, and Hg reach levels of public health concern.

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Acknowledgments

We are highly indebted to the study participants and to the staff of investigators, as well as all the local health services and health centers of the Kinshasan Public Health System that supported the field work. We also thank Mr Boesmans, Mr Stockman, Mr Casters, Mrs Lissenko, Mrs Uwambayinema, Mrs Cinar, and Ms Deumer for their technical support. The financial support of the Belgian Technical Cooperation (Coopération Technique Belge-CTB/Belgische Technische Coöperatie-BTC) and SOPACHEM are gratefully acknowledged.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Université de Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

    J. Tuakuila & F. Mbuyi

  2. Louvain Center for Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology (LTAP), Université catholique de Louvain, Avenue E. Mounier 53, box 52.02.12, 1200, Brussels, Belgium

    J. Tuakuila, D. Lison, A.-C. Lantin, G. Deumer, V. Haufroid & P. Hoet

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  1. J. Tuakuila
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  2. D. Lison
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  3. A.-C. Lantin
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  6. V. Haufroid
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Correspondence to P. Hoet.

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Tuakuila, J., Lison, D., Lantin, AC. et al. Worrying exposure to trace elements in the population of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Int Arch Occup Environ Health 85, 927–939 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-012-0733-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-012-0733-0

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